That's nice - knock yourself out

I just smile and move on. And when people ask me to pray for them, I just say I'm an Atheist but I'll keep them in my thoughts and wish them well.

Yes you can pray for a BILLION DOLLARS!

I usually say something non-commital like "Oh", or shrug. I'm not going to change their mind. If they are a friend, I will try not to be rude. If they are rude about it, I won't respond at all.

I usually observe that age old adage .. From my schooldays ' well, it's your own time youre wasting ' .

I just say, "Sure, OK!" I believe these are people that don't know what else to say. They have been indoctrinated so much, that they don't know how to say, "I wish you well!!!"

I say thanks, and move the conversation in another direction.

I really hate when I hear this. It doesn't help at all.

I take it in the spirit in which it is said which usually is to wish me well. If it is response to something they consider blasphemous then they might get a cutting reply.

I say thanks. I never turn down positive thoughts.

I say: "Do not pray for me. Instead, pray for the children like Gabriel Fernandez who was beaten, abused, and killed by his parents, had no one to help him, or stand by him in his last days..." They usually shut up after that. If not, I tell them to pray for themselves instead....HAHAHAHAHA. If they continue, I tell them to not pray but do something good in action instead, as Gd said: "these rotten people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me"... HAHAHHAHA

1. If praying helped anyone, no one would need anyone else to pray...
2. Don't waste your time...
3. I'll let you know if, if your prayer helped..(then never let them know.)
4. Please don't.

Of course, most of the time, I don't respond, and hope they go away....

I say to them how selfish they are -------- prayer has no property than to make the praying person feel good about themselves ......... It is the same as yoga ., tai chi, meditation , relaxation therapy etc ........... It has no other use !!!!

"Thanks."

They mean well in their own way. ?‍ I have bigger fish to fry than a well meaning sentiment. Unless they mean in a "for your heathen soul" sort of way, then I might have more to say. Or not. I generally have better things to do than spar windmills.

Most people who say this don't mean it, it is just a place filler for "sorry your hurting" or some such. I am still a closet atheist for the most part so I just say thanks.

If it makes them feel better, have at it! As long as they are not requesting I chant along.

I tell them I'll rub my magic lamp for them.

That’s cool

I just thank them and change the subject. All are entitled to believe as they wish.

Depending on the circumstance, I thank them or simply don't respond, if the situation allows. If it's disdain, superiority, "praying for my soul", I'll likely smile, maybe chuckle, and walk away. If they press the issue I'm not above debating with them. If it's simply a believer expressing support or concern, I'll thank them. I may not believe as they do, but I can appreciate well-meant sentiment

I'll think for you...

Usually just smile. If it's a close friend who knows my views, I may make a joke back.

I think that response was from Christopher Hitchens.

please don't waste your time on my behalf

It depends on the situation. If I am at a Catholic Hospital and a person walks into the room and says they will pray for me I thank them for their time and effort. I tell them I would be happy to pray for them and those they love. Nothing wrong with this situation as it has more to do with respect and being kind. It is not a lie as I was raised Catholic and know what the concept means. I would compare what I am stating to meditation as to their condition, Spending time offering comfort to another person is not a lie or conflicting for me. As it has nothing to do with God just my energy and thought being conveyed to another.